Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1887-08-26
4 DARK REVELATION.
BY A NEW CONTRIBUTOR.

BY A NEW CONTRIBUTOR.
Amid the dreary solitude, and pictur-
esque scenery of Broad Mountain, stands an
old dilapidated log cabin that is fast
moldering to dust, and will il short time
become thing of the past. 1t stands on the
banks Of low murmuring stream of water
that glistens in sublime beauty as the rays
of "a morning sun fall upon it; and it presents
a magnificent view as it winds it course
through low and hollow part of the
mountain.
Broad Mountain received lis name on
account of its great breadth, and its sides
slope slightly down until they form small
and beautiful vale, that presents a lonely
but lovely view as far as the eye can reach,
and the solitude Of which is only disturbed
by the low and gentle murmurs of the
water, an occasional dirge of the frog
from its marsl,y habitation, and the melody
of the whippoorwill from the gloomy shade
of the pines.
There must have been a happy home
there at one time, but the silence that reigns
there now is like that of death.
The old log cabin is still inhabitable
during nice weather, but when the elements
: are at work it is converted into wretched
and miserable abode, as many lonely
hunter has experienced. The old chimney
that had stood for years during sunshine
naming parts stand like grim sentinels on
duty. The roof shows the steady work Of
time by caving slowly inward, rendering it
rather dangerous for any occupant. No
windows ornament the house, and the logs
are rotten and decayed, and on the whole
it presents forlorn and dismal appear
ance.
A short distance from the cabin four
large pieces of timber, like pillars, rise in
the air and sway mournfully as the
wind comes against them; along the banks
of the stream the ground is covered with
old boards and logs which give indications
that large saw mill once occupied the
spot. Farther up is dam which, though
shallow now, gives appearance of holding
large capacity of water; here stands q
large apple tree to this day. and, though
blossoming year after year, is not known
to ever have borne any fruit 10 nourish the
wanderer.
dark, strange mystery seems to hang
over the tree and surrounding parts. The
place seems to be yelled by the slumbers
of death and the curtains of an unfathom-
able secret. The birds of the air and the
animals of the forest even seem to dread
it; and the deer as it nears the place, turns
iastinctively aside with toss of it's head,
and bounds away with incredible swift
ness. Even the rabbit does not linger
72are, nor is the silence broken by the
1.lslody of birds, save only the sad and
lIournful wailings of the whippoorwill,
which seems to convey terrible revelation
in its weird notes. And it is said that on
dark nights the stream of water seems to
be agitated and colored like blood, and that
PIERCING shrieks are heard in the log cabin,
and that soon after three figures in white
pass out of it, walk slowly up to
where the dam is and plunge deliber-
ately into the waters, after which all is
silent, except low dirge from the frog and
wall of the whippoorwill.
One bright sunshiny day in September
I went to this wonderful place, and after q
long walk came to the grand little vale,
which was decked in its autumnal robes.
Everything seemed wrapped in solitude,
not even the twittering of birds was heard,
and as far as human sight could penetrate
it reminded one of the silence of the grave.
A kind of fear overlook me as ap-
preached the cabin, but soon recovered
from it and walked to the door to go in.
The old door was partly open, and as I put
out my hand to push it farther back was
startled on hearing human voice and
the ominous command: "Young man, you
better not go in there" Turning around,
I beheld an old and venerable man lean
ing against a tree, with one hand resting
on gun and the other pointed at me. An
old SLOUGH hat covered his gray hair, and a
long beard lay gently on his breast. I
looked at him for moment and then said:
"And why should I not go in there,
stranger?" Upon which he beckoned me
to come where he was. l went there and
sat upon log, and then said: "Stranger,
l came here to-day to see this strange
place, about which so many mysteries are
afoat, and believe it is my good fortune
in meeting you, for I am sure you can throw
some light upon this mystery"
At this he looked at me and said: "You
are right, for am the only living being
that can reveal it, and if you will listen I
will relate it to YOU"
I expressed my willingness to hear it,
and with an unsteady voice he thus began:
"About forty years ago an Irish family.
becoming dissatisfied with their native
country, emigrated to the United States in
order to enjoy the liberties of republican
government. The family consisted of Mr..
Brennan and wife, and son aged 20 and
Q daughter IS. By the advice of a friend